ON
← Back to feed
Why didn’t banks flag large check encashments by Sara Duterte staff?
PH🏛️ PoliticsCenter42 min. ago

Why didn’t banks flag large check encashments by Sara Duterte staff?

During the 10th day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial on July 29, 2026, two former bank officials testified about the encashment of unusually large sums of money by her staff. Violeta Constantino, a former Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) branch manager, described overseeing the conversion of a P125-million check into cash as unprecedented in her 32-year career. Similarly, retired LBP Department of Education branch manager Nenita Camposano noted that a P37.5-million check withdrawal by DepEd was also highly unusual. Both emphasized that while these transactions were 'unusual,' they did not meet the criteria for being 'suspicious' under Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLCC) guidelines. The AMLCC distinguishes between covered transaction reports (CTRs), which are automatically filed for large cash transactions, and suspicious transaction reports (STRs), which require banks to identify specific red flags like lack of economic justification or structured avoidance of reporting. Over the years, Duterte and her husband's accounts triggered numerous CTRs, but no STRs were filed due to the absence of clear indicators of illicit activity.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Go to the primary sources (6)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

62 reports

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 904 days ago
Erwin Tulfo on Marcoleta request to join trial: Ask Sandiganbayan

Senator Erwin Tulfo stated that the request for detained Senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada to participate in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial should be directed to the Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court holding custody of the two senators. Tulfo emphasized that while the Senate should discuss the matter, the final decision lies with the Sandiganbayan, which has already denied Estrada's previous request to join the trial. Marcoleta had previously urged fellow senators to find ways to include him and Estrada in the impeachment proceedings. Both senators face plunder charges and remain in detention, though Tulfo noted they are still considered senators while their cases are pending.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion of the legal and procedural aspects surrounding the participation of detained senators in an impeachment trial. While the subject involves high-stakes politics, the framing remains neutral, focusing on the legal process and quoting multiple perspectives (T.

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports Senator Erwin Tulfo's comments regarding the need to seek permission from the Sandiganbayan for detained senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada to participate in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial. It aligns with other articles covering the same to

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting facts without editorializing or showing bias toward any party involved. It quotes Tulfo directly and does not take sides in the discussion.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 905 days ago
Marcoleta asks peers: ‘Find  ways’ to include me, Jinggoy Estrada

Senator Rodante Marcoleta has called on his fellow senators to find ways to allow him and Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who are currently detained and facing nonbailable charges of plunder, to participate in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Both Marcoleta and Estrada are members of the minority bloc in the Senate. Their detention raises questions about their ability to engage in legislative processes, particularly in high-profile cases like the impeachment trial. The situation highlights potential challenges in ensuring due process and participation for lawmakers who are under legal scrutiny.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward account of Senator Marcoleta’s request without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on the legal status of two senators and their involvement in a significant political process, the impeachment trial, without using biased language or selectively omitte

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports Senator Rodante Marcoleta's request for his fellow senators to find ways for him and Jinggoy Estrada to participate in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. This is consistent with other articles on the subject.

Why objectivity (90): The article remains neutral in tone, simply relaying Marcoleta's request without taking a position on its validity or implications.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 905 days ago
Marcoleta to Senate: Find ways for me, Estrada to join impeachment trial

Senator Rodante Marcoleta has called on his fellow senators to find ways for himself and detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada to participate in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Both lawmakers, part of the minority bloc seen as supportive of Duterte, are facing plunder charges from the Sandiganbayan. The request comes amid ongoing legal proceedings against them, highlighting the intersection of personal legal issues and political accountability.

Bias read (Center): The article presents Marcoleta's call for participation in the impeachment trial without overtly endorsing or criticizing either side. It focuses on the procedural aspect of allowing detained legislators to take part, rather than taking a clear ideological stance. While the subject involves high-sta

Why factuality (95): The article accurately conveys Senator Rodante Marcoleta's call for his fellow senators to find ways for him and Jinggoy Estrada to participate in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. This is consistent with other articles reporting on Marcoleta's efforts.

Why objectivity (90): The article remains neutral in tone, simply relaying Marcoleta's request without taking a stance on its feasibility or implications.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 855 days ago
Second LandBank exec also says Duterte DepEd’s huge withdrawal ‘unusual’

A former LandBank branch manager, Nenita Camposano, testified during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, describing the Department of Education's (DepEd) large cash withdrawal of P37.5 million as 'unusual.' This testimony comes amid ongoing scrutiny of alleged misuse of a confidential fund (CF) within Duterte's office. When questioned by Senator-judge Imee Marcos, Camposano clarified that while large withdrawals are common for both private and public clients at LandBank, the specific amount withdrawn by DepEd was unusually high for the agency. Earlier, she had stated that such withdrawals were regular occurrences, leading to confusion over whether her testimony implied approval or concern. This follows another LandBank employee, Violeta Constantino, who also noted the transaction was unusual. The testimony is part of the Senate's examination of allegations of financial misconduct linked to Duterte.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the conflicting interpretations of Camposano's testimony. It does not take a clear ideological stance on the impeachment proceedings or the allegations against Duterte. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the legal process and the ambiguity surrounding

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports that Nenita Camposano described the P37.5 million cash withdrawals by DepEd under Sara Duterte as 'unusual' during her testimony in the impeachment trial. It provides specific details such as the amount, the context of the impeachment trial, and the questioning by Sena

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, presenting facts from the impeachment trial without overtly favoring any party. However, the headline uses the word 'also' implying prior testimony, which may slightly frame the narrative. The article avoids strong emotive language but focuses on repo

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 954 days ago
Estrada files petition for bail after denial of past motion

Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a petition for bail in connection with his plunder case, following the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division's denial of his previous motion to set bail. The petition, which was submitted to the court on Wednesday but made public to the media on Thursday, argues that Estrada is entitled to bail. This development comes amid ongoing legal proceedings against him, highlighting continued judicial scrutiny of his alleged financial misconduct.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual developments regarding a political figure's legal proceedings without overtly endorsing or criticizing either side. It reports on the procedural aspect of Estrada's bail petition without taking a clear ideological stance, maintaining neutrality in its framing.

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports that Senator Jinggoy Estrada filed a petition for bail following the denial of his previous motion. This aligns with the broader context of his legal situation covered in other articles.

Why objectivity (95): The article presents the information objectively, focusing on the procedural aspects of Estrada's legal actions without expressing opinion or bias.

Rappler logoRapplerIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 955 days ago
Bank officials say OVP’s encashment of large funds ‘unusual’| The wRap

The article reports that two bank officials testified that the encashment of large funds by Vice President Sara Duterte's office was 'unusual.' This testimony comes amid ongoing scrutiny of her conduct, including her impeachment proceedings. The article also mentions other news items, such as Senator Pia Cayetano sharing a potentially misleading video, legal actions against individuals linked to a fugitive, and a senator submitting evidence regarding flood control projects. Additionally, it notes a tennis victory by Filipina player Alex Eala.

Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights the unusual financial activity of Vice President Sara Duterte, which is part of broader political scrutiny and potential impeachment efforts. While the focus is on the bank officials' testimony, the context suggests a critical stance toward Duterte's administration, aligning a

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports on the spliced video controversy involving Chel Diokno and Senator-judge Pia Cayetano, aligning closely with the primary source documents. It clearly identifies the altered nature of the video and explains the context, ensuring fidelity to the facts presented in the pr

Why objectivity (95): The article maintains a high degree of neutrality, presenting the facts without editorializing or showing favoritism toward either side. It clearly distinguishes between the original statement and the altered version, avoiding any biased interpretation.

Rappler logoRapplerIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 955 days ago
FACT CHECK: Spliced video misrepresents Chel Diokno statement on VP Sara’s financial records

An article from Rappler investigates a viral video that allegedly misrepresented the statement of Akbayan Representative and public prosecutor Chel Diokno during Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial. The video, which has been shared widely on Facebook, appears to show Diokno admitting that the House prosecution was 'taking a chance' to obtain evidence against Duterte. However, the article reveals that the video had been spliced to alter the context of Diokno's remarks. According to the Senate's official records and the livestream of the trial, Diokno was clarifying that the prosecution's request for Duterte's financial records was not a 'fishing expedition,' as there was sufficient cause to proceed with the case. The article highlights that key parts of Diokno's original statement were removed from the spliced video to create a misleading impression. Diokno himself addressed the issue in a Facebook post, refuting the altered narrative.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the controversy surrounding the spliced video, citing both the altered version and the original statement from the Senate's records. It does not take a clear ideological stance but rather focuses on verifying the accuracy of the claims made in the video. As

Why factuality (90): The article accurately describes the prosecution's proposal to alternate with the defense on evidence presentation, referencing the primary source documents. It provides context and quotes from the prosecution's manifest, maintaining alignment with the factual details from the primary sources.

Why objectivity (95): The article presents the situation objectively, discussing the proposal without taking sides or using emotionally charged language. It focuses on the procedural aspects of the trial, ensuring a balanced perspective.

Rappler logoRapplerIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 854 days ago
Why didn’t banks flag large check encashments by Sara Duterte staff?

During the 10th day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial on July 29, 2026, two former bank officials testified about the encashment of unusually large sums of money by her staff. Violeta Constantino, a former Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) branch manager, described overseeing the conversion of a P125-million check into cash as unprecedented in her 32-year career. Similarly, retired LBP Department of Education branch manager Nenita Camposano noted that a P37.5-million check withdrawal by DepEd was also highly unusual. Both emphasized that while these transactions were 'unusual,' they did not meet the criteria for being 'suspicious' under Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLCC) guidelines. The AMLCC distinguishes between covered transaction reports (CTRs), which are automatically filed for large cash transactions, and suspicious transaction reports (STRs), which require banks to identify specific red flags like lack of economic justification or structured avoidance of reporting. Over the years, Duterte and her husband's accounts triggered numerous CTRs, but no STRs were filed due to the absence of clear indicators of illicit activity.

Bias read (Center): The article presents testimony from former bank officials and references AMLC guidelines without overtly favoring any side. It explains both the nature of the transactions and the regulatory framework, providing balanced context without apparent ideological bias.

Why factuality (90): The article clarifies the edited video shared by Sen. Pia Cayetano and explains the prosecution’s stance. It includes direct quotes from Rep. Chel Diokno and references to the AMLC records, which are consistent with the primary source and other articles.

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting both perspectives without evident bias. It clearly outlines the positions of the prosecution and the defense.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 805 days ago
WATCH: Ex-bank manager says P37.5 million DepEd withdrawals ‘unusual’

A former branch manager of the Land Bank of the Philippines, Nenita Camposano, stated that the P37.5 million withdrawals made by the Department of Education during Vice President Sara Duterte’s tenure were 'unusual.' These withdrawals raised questions about their legitimacy and purpose, potentially indicating irregularities in financial transactions involving the education department.

Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights concerns over unusual financial transactions involving a high-ranking official (Vice President Sara Duterte), which implies scrutiny of her administration's conduct. The framing suggests potential impropriety without explicitly accusing any party, but the focus on questioning

Why factuality (90): The article accurately conveys that Nenita Camposano stated the P37.5 million withdrawals by DepEd under Sara Duterte were 'unusual.' It mentions the context of the impeachment trial and identifies Camposano as a former Land Bank branch manager. While less detailed than the first article, it aligns

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the information in a straightforward manner, focusing on the statement made by Camposano. However, the headline uses the phrase 'WATCH: Ex-bank manager says...' which may imply a more dramatic or sensational angle compared to the first article. This slight framing could affect n

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentConservativeFactual 85Objective 902 days ago
Solons claim Manases Carpio’s complaint a ‘delaying tactic’

Several lawmakers in the Philippines claimed that Manases Carpio, the husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, has used his complaints against House of Representatives members involved in impeachment proceedings as a 'delaying tactic.' The lawmakers, including ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio and Kabataan party-list Representative Renee Co, expressed this view while responding to the complaints. The allegations suggest that the legal actions may be intended to slow down the impeachment process rather than address substantive issues. This perspective highlights ongoing tensions within the legislative body regarding the legitimacy and purpose of such legal challenges.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames Manases Carpio's legal actions as a 'delaying tactic,' implying a negative assessment of his motives. This characterization suggests a right-leaning perspective that views the legal challenges as obstructive rather than legitimate. The focus on delaying tactics implies skepticism,

Why factuality (85): The article states that the defense team chose to skip the cross-examination of a witness to avoid prolonging the proceedings. This aligns with the general understanding of legal strategies in trials and is consistent with the context provided in the primary source materials.

Why objectivity (90): The article remains neutral, explaining the defense team's strategic choice without implying approval or criticism. It presents the rationale behind their decision in an objective manner.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 905 days ago
Impeachment won’t hit budget talks, at least for House – Sandro Marcos

Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, the House of Representatives Majority Leader in the Philippines, stated that the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will not interfere with the House's discussions on the 2027 national budget. He emphasized that the House can proceed with its duties as the impeachment proceedings are not being conducted by them. This statement comes amid political tensions surrounding Duterte's potential removal from office due to alleged misconduct. The situation highlights the separation of powers within the Philippine government, where different branches handle distinct responsibilities.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral report on a political figure's statement regarding the impact of an impeachment trial on legislative processes. There is no evident bias in the framing, word choice, or emphasis. The content does not favor any particular political side but rather reports on the stance,

Why factuality (85): The article discusses the House of Representatives' belief that the impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte will not affect the budget deliberations. This aligns with the general context of the impeachment trial but lacks specific details from the primary source. Since the primary source doesn't discus

Why objectivity (90): The article remains neutral in tone, presenting the perspective of House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos without taking sides or using emotionally charged language. It simply reports the position taken by the leader regarding the impact of the impeachment trial on budget discussions.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 907 days ago
House ready to handle Duterte trial and 2027 budget talks, says Khonghun

The House of Representatives, led by Deputy Speaker Jefferson Khonghun, has stated it is prepared to manage both Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial and upcoming discussions on the 2027 budget. Khonghun emphasized that teams are assigned to different responsibilities, ensuring legislative duties continue despite the ongoing trial. The trial is expected to last several months and overlaps with the submission of the proposed 2027 budget, which aims for a P7.2-trillion spending plan. Concerns exist that the trial might disrupt the House's focus during budget season, a time typically involving extensive committee reviews.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about the House's preparedness without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on the administrative arrangements and potential challenges without taking a clear ideological stance. While the impeachment trial and budget discussions are politically sensitive,

Why factuality (85): The article reports on statements made by House Deputy Speaker Jefferson Khonghun regarding the House's readiness to handle Vice President Duterte's impeachment trial and the 2027 budget discussions. It aligns with the cross-source consensus that these events are scheduled around the SONA. However,

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the information in a neutral tone, focusing on the official statements and the procedural aspects of the House's operations. There is no evident bias or emotional language, maintaining an objective stance.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 854 days ago
Defense on skipping cross-examination: ‘Petty’ asking useless questions

Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team has opted not to conduct a cross-examination of one of the prosecution's witnesses during her impeachment trial. The decision was made to prevent the proceedings from being unnecessarily extended and to avoid engaging in what they described as 'petty' questioning. This move comes amid ongoing legal challenges against Duterte, who faces multiple charges related to alleged abuses of power. The impeachment process is part of a broader political struggle within the Philippines, reflecting tensions between different factions of the ruling coalition. By choosing not to challenge this witness, the defense aims to streamline the trial and focus on more critical aspects of the case.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the defense team's reasoning for skipping the cross-examination without taking a stance on whether their decision is justified or biased. It reports the statement objectively, without apparent favoritism toward either side of the impeachment trial.

Why factuality (85): The article mentions that the prosecution believes the testimony of LandBank officials supports the claims of Ramil Madriaga. While the primary source does not include this specific analysis, it is a logical conclusion based on the nature of the testimonies and the overall trial context.

Why objectivity (85): The article presents the prosecution's view without bias, stating their belief in the support of the testimonies without taking a stance on the validity of those claims.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 854 days ago
Prosecution: LandBank execs’ testimony bolstered Madriaga’s claim

The prosecution team involved in the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte stated that the testimonies of two former Land Bank of the Philippines executives supported the allegations made by Ramil Madriaga, who was previously believed to be a close associate of Duterte. The comments were made during a press briefing following the latest session of the impeachment proceedings. The testimonies appear to provide additional evidence against Duterte, potentially strengthening the case brought forward by the prosecution.

Bias read (Progressive): The article discusses the impeachment trial of a high-ranking political figure, which is inherently politically charged. The framing suggests support for the prosecution's narrative, implying a potential bias toward the opposing side in the political spectrum. The emphasis on the testimonies bolster

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports that Violeta Constantino testified about the unusual nature of the P500 million withdrawal. This aligns with the primary source material, which includes similar testimonies regarding the large withdrawals.

Why objectivity (85): The article presents the testimony in a neutral manner, focusing on the factual aspects of the withdrawal without introducing bias or emotional language.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 855 days ago
WATCH: Ex-LandBank manager says P500M OVP withdrawal was ‘unusual’

Violeta Constantino, a former branch manager of the Land Bank of the Philippines, testified during the 10th day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial that a P500 million cash withdrawal made by the Office of the Vice President was 'unusual.' This testimony appears to be part of the ongoing legal proceedings against Duterte, focusing on potential financial improprieties related to her office.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a testimony provided during an impeachment trial involving a high-ranking official. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The framing remains neutral, simply relaying the statement made by the former bank manager

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports that Violeta Constantino testified about having never seen a P500 million withdrawal. This is consistent with the primary source material, which includes similar testimonies regarding the large withdrawals.

Why objectivity (85): The article presents the testimony in a neutral manner, focusing on the factual aspects of the withdrawal without introducing bias or emotional language.

Rappler logoRapplerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 805 days ago
Duterte’s defense: ‘Unusual’ withdrawal claim only an opinion, not an issue

During the 10th day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, her defense team largely avoided cross-examining witnesses regarding the alleged unusual withdrawal of P500 million from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) account at Land Bank of the Philippines. Defense counsel Michael Poa stated that there were no questionable or damaging details in the testimonies of the witnesses, who identified the cheques but did not raise concerns about their legitimacy. The prosecution focused on allegations of misuse of confidential funds, citing the 'unusual' nature of the withdrawals. However, the defense argued that the term 'unusual' was merely the opinion of bank staff and not indicative of suspicious activity. According to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) guidelines, such large transactions should be reported, but the defense claimed the validity of the encashments was not under dispute.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both the defense and prosecution perspectives without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from both the defense and prosecution, providing balanced coverage of the impeachment trial. There is no evident bias in the language used or the selection of sources.

Why factuality (85): This article discusses the legal strategy of Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team during an impeachment trial, focusing on their decision not to cross-examine witnesses regarding a financial matter. It does not reference the AMLC guidelines or the GoTRACS regulations, so there is no direct com

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, presenting the defense team's reasoning without overt bias. While the article highlights the legal strategy, it avoids taking sides or expressing strong opinions about the case itself.

Rappler logoRapplerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 703 days ago
Fact Check wRap: Lies about Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial

The article reports on the spread of fake news regarding Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, noting that misinformation about her potential acquittal or case dismissal has circulated online. It highlights efforts by 'fake news peddlers' to mislead the public and suggests that such falsehoods are part of a broader strategy to confuse people. The piece recommends watching a video by researcher-writer Lourence Marcellana to discern fact from fiction. No specific sources are cited, but the content focuses on debunking misinformation related to the ongoing legal proceedings.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about the spread of misinformation surrounding a politically sensitive issue, impeachment of a high-ranking official, but does not take a clear ideological stance. It emphasizes the presence of false claims without explicitly endorsing or condemning any particular side

Why factuality (85): The article reports on the spread of fake news regarding Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, citing specific false claims. It references a video by Lourence Marcellana as a source to distinguish truth from misinformation. While no primary source document is provided, the content aligns with common rep

Why objectivity (70): The tone of the article leans toward criticism of 'fake news peddlers' and suggests a biased stance against those spreading misinformation. While it presents information objectively, the language carries a moral judgment, which affects its neutrality. The focus on debunking falsehoods may also frame

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentConservativeFactual 85Objective 707 days ago
Sara Duterte’s ratings decline reflects public dissatisfaction – Palace

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reports that Vice President Sara Duterte's trust and performance ratings have declined according to a recent Octa Research survey, reflecting public dissatisfaction with her handling of national issues. The Palace, representing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stated that the drop indicates Filipinos recognize Duterte's lack of contribution to solving pressing problems like inflation and rising fuel prices. The Palace press officer emphasized that the impeachment trial against Duterte, which began in July 2026, is likely the main reason for the decline, as it received significant media attention. While Duterte still holds strong support in Mindanao, her ratings have fallen below the majority level for the first time since late 2024. Octa Research suggested that the impeachment proceedings, along with perceptions of governance and the absence of a robust social safety net, could explain the decline.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the decline in Sara Duterte's ratings as evidence of her lack of contribution to national issues and emphasizes the legitimacy of the impeachment trial, aligning with the Palace's narrative. It highlights criticism of Duterte's actions and omits perspectives that might balance the

Why factuality (85): The article reports on a survey conducted by Octa Research, which tracks Vice President Sara Duterte's trust and performance ratings. It cites specific numbers showing a decline from 55% to 47% in trust and from 50% to 45% in performance. The Palace spokesperson attributes this decline to public dis

Why objectivity (70): The article frames the decline in ratings as reflecting public dissatisfaction and criticizes Duterte's approach as 'criticizing without offering solutions.' This language suggests a political stance, particularly aligning with the Palace's position. The tone leans toward supporting the administrati

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 709 days ago
Prosecution maintains Lascañas had to lie as he was under duress

The prosecution team handling Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial has defended the credibility of former police officer Arturo Lascañas' testimony despite his changing accounts about the drug war. Lascañas initially denied the existence of the Davao Death Squad (DDS) but later recanted, claiming he lied to protect his family. During an online press briefing, prosecutors argued that Lascañas was under duress and coaching when he first testified, which explains his shifting statements. They emphasized that changing testimony does not necessarily invalidate its credibility, especially since Lascañas later admitted to being pressured to lie. The testimony was used by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to assess Duterte's potential threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his relatives.

Bias read (Center): While the subject involves high-level politics and legal proceedings, the article presents the prosecution's arguments without overtly favoring one side. It reports both the defense of Lascañas' testimony and the implications of his changing statements, maintaining a balanced approach by quoting the

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reflects the prosecution's argument that Lascañas' changing testimony does not necessarily invalidate it, citing the legal reasoning provided by counsel Benjamin Tolosa Jr. and Robert Ace Barbers. It aligns with the cross-source consensus on the legal implications of Lascañas'

Why objectivity (70): The article frames the prosecution's argument in a way that supports their position, emphasizing the need to consider Lascañas' motivations rather than dismissing his entire testimony outright. This suggests a slight lean towards the prosecution's perspective.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 855 days ago
VP trial Day 10: Prosecution to present 1st witness for CF misuse

The trial of Vice President Sara Duterte entered its 10th day with the prosecution set to present its first witness regarding her alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds. The first witness, Violeta Constantino, a former Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) branch manager, will testify about transactions involving Duterte's special disbursing officer, Gina Acosta, who allegedly withdrew P125 million from December 2022 to September 2023. Another former LBP branch manager, Nenita Camposano, will follow with testimony about P32.5 million withdrawals linked to Duterte's former SDO in 2023. The scheduling of these testimonies was delayed due to procedural requests and the State of the Nation Address by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The prosecution requested the court to address each impeachment article sequentially, but the defense opposed this change, and the court proceeded with Article I.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced account of the proceedings, detailing both the prosecution's plans and the defense's opposition to changes in the trial order. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omissions that would indicate a clear ideological lean. The focus is on陈述

Why factuality (80): The article covers the upcoming presentation of witnesses concerning the misuse of confidential funds. While the primary source does not provide detailed information about these witnesses or the specific amounts mentioned, the general topic is consistent with the ongoing trial. The article accuratel

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a balanced approach, reporting on the planned testimonies without showing favoritism towards either the prosecution or the defense. It uses straightforward language and avoids subjective commentary.

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories